Especially for readers 24 Channels Viber shared its tips on digital security. In addition to end-to-end encryption, which by default works not only for messages, but also for calls, any of the features of the messenger can be turned on. This means that none of your chats are stored on the company’s servers, only on your devices.

This is already a strong barrier protecting you from attacks and possible fraud, but there are a number of additional measures you can take to strengthen your security.

Enable two-step authentication

This feature protects your account with an email and a PIN. Only you can create a Viber account with your phone number with two-step verification.

How to activate:

1. “Parameters”;
2. “Privacy”;
3. “Two-step verification”.

Protect important chats with a PIN

With this feature, the chat will not be displayed in the public list. It will be possible to find and open only with the set PIN code. If the unlocked phone falls into the hands of third parties, protected chats cannot be seen or read.

How to enable it on iOS:

1. Click on the name of the chat from the top of the screen;
2. “Hide this contact”;
3. Set the PIN code.

How to enable it on Android:

Enter the chat;

1. Settings (symbol in the form of three dots in the upper right);
2. “Information about the chat”;
3. “Hide this contact”;
4. Set the PIN code.

Use disappearing messages

Enable this feature for messages you don’t want to be in your chat history. This may include card numbers, addresses, access codes and other sensitive information. The set timer will automatically destroy the correspondence after the selected time. By the way, the recipient of the message will not be able to take a screenshot on Android. When you try to take a screenshot or forward a message on iOS, the sender receives a notification.

How to activate:

1. Click the clock icon in 1 to 1 chat;
2. Set the desired disappear timer: 10 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour;
3. Set the status to “Online” and “Viewed”.

If you don’t want others to see notifications about when you were last online and viewing a message, hide this information.

How to configure:

1. “Parameters”;
2. “Privacy”;
3. Displayed and Online options: Disable by unchecking the box.

Limit adding to groups

With this function, only contacts in your address book will be able to add you to groups.

How to configure:

1. “Parameters”;
2. “Privacy”;
3. “Set adding to groups”;
4. Select “My Contacts”.

Hide your photo from everyone

You can hide your photos from people who are not in your address book.

How to configure:

1. “Parameters”;
2. “Privacy”;
3. “Show photo” – turn off the function.

Why is end-to-end encryption important?

Such a security system makes it impossible for third parties to steal correspondence and access calls. Decryption keys for each chat are only available on your and the other person’s devices. The same goes for 1-1 voice calls. Remember: no one, not even Viber, can read your messages in chats. All chats on Viber are encrypted with end-to-end encryption by default and are not stored on servers.